New blood fears allayed as more kids study finance

The teenagers are studying optional GCSE, AS and A-level equivalent courses designed as ‘stand-alone' qualifications, and delivered by the ifs School of Finance educational charity. Approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), schools can choose whether or not to offer the additional subjects to students, based on demand. The GCSE equivalent courses were launched a year ago to teach students basic financial concepts such as: budgeting, opening and maintaining accounts and using different payment methods. They have already attracted 5,700 students. This follows o...